Nice View From Up There
Earlier this week everyone’s favorite cranky spoonbill was hanging around in the salt marsh by himself but something seemed different about him. He had a kind of playful attitude rather then his former grumpy demeanor which wasn’t making him any friends. Then he did something unexpected…he turned and looked toward an old tree stump that is always sticking out there at low tide and did sort of a quick hop flight and landed on the stump.
He stood around on the stump for a few minutes surveying his marsh kingdom then concluded all was well and it was now time to leave. He took flight across the marsh then did a wide circle in the opposite direction and flew against the trees at the far back edge heading south to continue on with his day.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Looks like he’s getting ready to sneeze! 🙂
He is a goofy guy. 🙂
Sempre fantastiche le foto che ci proponi, come mi piacerebbe avere la possibilità di fare foto così belle.
Salutone, Pat
La ringrazio molto per la vostra gentile parole Pat
Terrific as always. I love the last shot–of him in flight. Thank you.
Thank you very much for looking and commenting, I appreciate it.
The cranky spoonbill knows exactly how beautiful he is, right?
A really great animal! Especially when he is in a good mood! 😛
I think he does know exactly how good looking he is! Also nice to see him in a good mood.
I just got a report that he is back out in the marsh now so I’m heading over to look for him. 🙂
Gorgeous!
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Thanks a bunch Sue!
Phil, in the first few shots Mr. Spoonbill, was telling you exactly what he was planning and for you to be prepared to capture it all so you could share his beautiful form with all your friends!
Gorgeous series of shots!
He was giving it away wasn’t he?! I have been watching these guy often enough that I’m beginning to think like him, which may not be a good thing. 🙂
Thanks so much, glad you liked these!
He is so handsome, wanna show off his wings 🙂 I don’t think any one can photography spoonbill like you do, Phil!
Thank you very much for those kind words Amy, I really enjoy watching the pink goofballs so I have a lot fun photographing them. Glad you enjoy their pictures!
Fantastic photos again, Phil! When he had his mouth wide open, was he saying anything to you? 🙂
He just may have been saying something Sylvia but with his attitude I’m not sure it was complementary. 🙂
Very nice photos, Phil. The spoonbill is such an odd combination of unique beauty (the feathers) and dorkiness (the beak).
You are exactly right Deb, that’s just what they are. I suppose that’s a big part of their appeal to me, cool, colorful but yet goofy birds. What a combination! 🙂
Amazing gallery of spoonbill photos. Really like the pictures of Mr. Cranky Pants perched on the stump.
I’m glad you like those Charlie, it’s the first time I ever saw him do that.
Beautiful birds and great shots Phil.
Thank you Jan I really appreciate you looking and commenting.
What a funny beak! and wow those red eyes! Thank you for sharing this, I’ve never seen such a feature before, not to mentioned they were lovely captured in the frames.
They are very odd and also interesting birds, and yes the red eye makes them stand out as well.
Thanks very much, I am happy you enjoyed seeing these photos!
What fantastic action shots, Phil! I loved the water trails and how does he manage to land on a jagged stump like that with his huge webbed feet?!
Well I’m very pleased you enjoyed these spoonie photos Maggie! Actually their feet are not totally webbed, they have regular wading bird feet with separate toes. There is a small amount of webbing at the base of the toes.
I think you’ve captured his personality to a tee!
Thanks very much! This bird does have a lot of personality, but I think he is wired a little *different*. 🙂
Fantastic serie of my favorite, Mr Spoonbill ! … I wish that he could take a flight and visit me here in Sweden 😉 // Maria 🙂
I am very happy you liked these spoonbill photos Maria and I wish you could see some in person. Maybe someday you will get a spoonbill visit to Sweden! 🙂
He is your best model. Love these shots.
I honestly think he enjoys the attention, he is a real piece of work that bird. I have never seen another quite like this one. Thanks for looking and glad you like the photos!
The two shots just before he landed made he look totally klutzy. What a guy!!! That might have made a good video to hear what he had to say?
The spoonbills are both graceful and klutzy at the same time (if that makes any sense) I suppose that’s a large part of why I find them so comically appealing. 🙂
You’ve got him trained now. I’ll bet you could do something with ring of fire next! Those two shots just before he lands on the stump are exceptional – much better than nice.
If there was ever a bird out there that might give flying through rings of fire a shot it would be this guy. He is an odd character for sure. I saw him again last night and was remarking how I suspect he is wired just a bit different then other birds and even other spoonbills.
Happy to know you enjoyed these photos!
A splendid serie of photos!
Thanks very much Hans, glad you enjoyed them!
Such a great series. So sharp and detailed and the ruby eyes stand out so nicely!! You definitely make me want to learn more about getting the sequential action with movements like these. You are shooting such nice things now and already my mind is turning to what I’ll try and learn next bird season.
Well I’m sure you will produce some fine bird photos if you practice but most importantly if you really enjoy being out there and watching them you will have fun as well which is a big part of it all.
I’m very happy you enjoyed these Judy!
What a character! He’s so very…pink…it looks kind of comical to my eye. As you know we don’t get bright pink birds around here! : )
Oh he is indeed quite comical Karen. That is one reason I never get tired of watching and photographing these pink goofballs. I have thousands of photos and will likely go out tonight to see if I can get more. 🙂